yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
Call Asus. We need them to know about this issue. AFAIK Asus is dealing with the units that were bricked during the .33 update. They are issuing new units to users with bricked units. That is the extent of their knowledge.

We need them to know about the units sent out w/out serial numbers. I'm sure the majority of users with units like that aren't power users like us and have no knowledge that their units are faulty.

I have made the decision to go through Asus rather than the retailer I got it from. I contacted Abt and they are going to grant me an extension on my return policy.

I called Asus and got an RMA and let them know the problem. I'm hoping when they reflash my unit it will be with ICS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] r4736:
I called them after 8 departments I was disconnected when trying to be connected to the consumer relations department. They were not open for another hour. Everyone I talked to wanted me to take it into the store to have a geeksquad member look at it. Nothing against them but they are not going to be able to do anything. The closest Best Buy is an hour away and one of the reasons I order online. I didn't want to be that guy that yells till he gets what he wants, but that seems unavoidable. I worked in customer service when I was younger and I hated them, but it always worked.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] capitala23:
Sorry your experience didn't go as well as mine. I know sometimes its just getting the right person. I am not sure which department they connected me too, but I just told them I had a defective unit that I just got in 4 days ago and they seemed pretty willing to help out. Just remain calm and make them want to help you. Be the calm guy that is getting jerked around that they can relate to and what the help, not the angry jerk customer they get all the time. That's always been my philosophy when dealing with customer service. Better fortune to you next time.

I agree with others too that ASUS needs to know about this problem. If it wasn't for me trying to root my Prime I would have probably been stuck with a bum device and had a huge headache to deal with to get it fixed.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] qwertylesh:
I've been building a mental list of things to check when I buy my prime.

I am SO glad you guys have posted this info up and I feel really bad that you guys have gotten serial problems.

Didnt asus release a factory OTA RUU or something which could reflash the radios/kernel/rom/bootloader/firmwares all back to completely factory? I mean what the hell.

Anyway this is a biggy to go on my list, the wifi+bt and light bleeding were my only main concerns and sd card flush minor, before seeing this.

Anyway im very greatful that you guys have made this problem known because its something I can determine and get a DOA/Refund instantly if the two I buy soon have the unknown sn right out of the box
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Guybor:
I did call them and got the run around. (posted about it earlier in this thread)

My suggestion to anyone that has a "no serial number" unit....RETURN IT!!!! That is what I did b/c it's hard to know what other issues may come up later. Took it back to Best Buy and got a full refund. Purchased a different one (since they aren't as hard to find now as they were 3 weeks ago) and the new one updated PERFECTLY.

Just my .02 worth.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PabloPalmeri:
Just Return it. Don't call asus unless you want to be even more upset.

I just spent 3 hours with Asus on the phone. I talked to 5 different people. Here are the replies I got from each before they switched me to a new person, and the what I said after it.

1)

ASUS: It's not suppose to have a serial number on the device

ME: I have 3 other android devices, all show the serial #, also my nieghbors TP shows a serial number, so is his device defective?

2)

ASUS: Wipe the data, and you should be able to update after that.

ME: Please wait on the line while I do this...(10 min later) No it's still not getting the update

3)

ASUS: Let me walk you thru how to install the update manually

ME: I just spent 500 on a device, unless doing the update manually is going to fix the issue of it now updating automatically, I'm not going to start putting work-a-rounds into my routine for this device.

4)

ASUS: There are no updates currently avialble for that device.

ME:(I got angry here) I'm on 2.7, there was a release 2.9, and current is 3.3. Do I need to send you the link to your own product support site? Please Connect me to a supervisor or someone who can fix this issue.

5)

ASUS: You've reached the desk of supervisor _________ I'm currently not able to take your call Please leave a name and # and I'll get back to you.

ME: WTF Is this a joke? I've been on the phone for 3 hours dealing with the issue and you end up sending me to a voicemail to end my call. I'm done with you guys and am reporting you to the BBB and will deal directly with my distributor to get a new device. Thanks for being no help.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Evo_Shift:
Does updating manually to ICS fix this?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] flyingwolf:
Considering that ICS is not yet out there is no possible way of knowing this.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] integratyper:
anyone with serial number unknown able to update to ics OTA?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] flyingwolf:
Did you just ignore every response in this thread including mine which is right above yours.

:confused:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] integratyper:
i guess not. I thought I read you could get the file via android police somewhere. I actually returned my unknown serial number one for a good one. Traded in worst gps signal for it but well worth it since I see no point in gps. I was just curious on whats going on with all the bad serial numbers.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] gr4ybu5h:
It's been out since 8pm
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] philipito:
No ICS for the unknown serial numbered Primes... I am going to return mine tomorrow since it is within the 14 day return period. Maybe I will just keep the cash and get the TF700T.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Evo_Shift:
Sorry my tapatalk seems to not be updating properly on my phone and i didn't see any of these responses. But yeah...that sucks.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
Has anyone with the "unknown serial number" updated manually yet with ICS update file posted on a couple of the other sites? I really don't want to return mine since my GPS and Wifi work fine, and I have it all set up with all my apps.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] njones15:
I'm waiting on Asus to post the update to their site. Here's the link if you are going to be like me and constantly check for it.

http://support.asus.com/download.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=20&s=16&m=Eee+Pad+Transformer+Prime+TF201&os=&hashedid=FqCKMQDqgvSncfFM
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
My fear is that they don't since this isn't just a firmware update, it's an O/S update. They also haven't posted the cameras updates. :/
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] njones15:
I got the camera update when I manually installed the newest firmware. I would think that they are going to post it on the website, but as always, can't be sure.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] KDLMaj:
Just got off the phone with ASUS- least helpful conversation ever. The woman first told me that the serial number for a tablet isn't in the software- which I had to correct her on. Then she told me that updates take a while- which is why I didn't have mine. I pointed out that I wasn't able to get the .33 update either, and she told me that ICS hasn't been officially released. I pointed out that it was officially released yesterday. She said I didn't have the .33 update because they take a while to go out to tablets, which is ridiculous- it doesn't take *that* long.

Her final verdict: there was nothing wrong with my tablet, but if I wanted to pay money for shipping I could send it in for repairs for 7-10 business days.

My final verdict: Calling Officedepot where I bought it and requesting a new tablet. Waiting now to figure out if they have any in stock they can send me.

**** you ASUS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
I'm not waiting for Asus. My return windows closes tomorrow, so it's going back right now. Too bad. I really liked it, and didn't have the wifi or GPS issue.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] markbraggs:
Should I return my tablet or wait until ASUS posts the update on their website? :confused:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
That's a decision you'll have to make. I thought about it, but then said to myself "why should I keep a $500 device that isn't working properly".
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] KDLMaj:
Yeah the problem is- you're going to run into this issue every single time there's an update. And it also means root is impossible.

I'm really pissed off right now- ASUS should know its own products better. This entire release has been a massive flub on their part. I wish I didn't love this tablet so damn much.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
Agreed. This is the last time I pre-order anything. I'll wait for hands-on reviews after the release next time. oh well. I'm to Best Buy to return mine. Good luck guys.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] markbraggs:
Yeah I'm torn because I take notes on it for my classes. If bestbuy will cross-ship then I'll return. Have to give them a call.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Evo_Shift:
Are any of the newer tablets, ordered after Christmas, having this problem? It seems all these are from preorders that occurred before or on about the 24th of December. Just order a new one and send this one back. There is even one post in here where the guy said Best Buy shipped out a new one and just said to send the other back within 15 days. So, if they will cross ship you a new one it's hardly even an inconvenience other than a phone call. My first Prime was ordered from BB on the 28th which was a different shipment from those before it and didn't have this problem. I bet the units were all produced in a row but maybe not.

I counted 22 unique users in this thread with this problem. It would be really interesting to know how many are out in the wild that never frequent the forums.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djkinetic:
you never really know how many people really are affected by this issue, cuz most consumers never really pay attention to details like this...I'm just hoping the one i get tomorrow is free from all these issues..looks like ill be doing some extra praying tonight lol.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] philipito:
I returned my unknown serial Prime to BB today. Just got a full refund. Funny thing, they initially told me that it wasn't eligible for return, only servicing. They tried to send me over to the Geek Squad and I put an immediate stop to that. They ended up getting a manager over to override the return since it would not allow the CSR to perform the return.

Anyhow, I am saving the $580 I got from the return, and will be purchasing a TF700T when it comes out in a few months (hopefully).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
I just got back from returning mine. They didn't try that with me, but did hassle me a tiny bit. The CSR called the manager over. He turned it on, and connected to the store wifi. He told me "there was nothing wrong with it". I told him it keeps "disconnecting and rebooting", because I could tell he'd have no clue if I tried to explain the "Unknown Serial Number" to him. He authorized the return, and that was it. I told him to expect a lot more of them coming back.

---------- Post added at 03:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:28 PM ----------

I ordered on 12/29, and it shipped that day.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Evo_Shift:
I wonder why BB is giving hassle if within the 14 days. Their return policy doesn't say it has to be defefctive.

Exchange and Return Period

Exchange or return your item anytime from the original purchase date within the timeframe below:

14 days for computers, monitors, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, iPads, tablets and radar detectors

Seems pretty clear to me. The girl who helped me just listened to why I was returning it and did the return. Their online return policy is worded slightly different but mine was still returned without issue.

When you return merchandise to a Best Buy store within the U.S., you may have the option of receiving a credit or an exchange. When you return merchandise by mail, your only option is to receive a credit for your purchase.

Return Period

Return your item anytime from the date you received your item(s) within the timeframe below:

14 days for computers, monitors, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, iPads, tablets and radar detectors

I took credit to mean, credit back to my card and not store credit but I didn't even mention it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
"Hassle" might have been a little harsh for my experience. Perhaps because I said it was "defective", was why they had a head geek come look at it. Perhaps if I just said I didn't want it, they'd just take it. I wouldn't want to do that though, because then they'll probably just sell it as an open box or something, and someone else would be stuck with a defective prime.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
*bump. ..Don't want to see this important thread get buried.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] KDLMaj:
If you folks haven't already- please call ASUS Customer Service and tell them of the issue. They'll probably tell you that you're crazy, but if enough of us point this out then maybe they'll finally take us seriously.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
Do I hear a "Operation Spam Asus part 3"???? Attack there Twitter, G+ and FB pages!!!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
A couple of people have mentioned this bug on the main ASUS FB page and their North America page.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rfvgyhn:
I too have the unknown serial. Purchased from Best Buy on the 24th and received the 2nd.

Tried to call Best Buy to get it replaced and the representative told me that because she doesn't have the option to put it on back-order, she can't replace it for me and that I'll have to get a refund. Phooey.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
You could RMA it to ASUS, but I chose the refund myself.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] DeadlyDa:
I ordered mine from Best Buys on 12/29. and it arrived on Monday January 9th.

It has the "unknown serial number" problem, and cannot be updated (either via OTA or by the manual process using the updatelauncher download from ASUS).

I also noticed that my TP was shipped from the "Returns Department" in Findlay Ohio...which would suggest that they are simply taking the returns we are sending them, and re-shipping them back out to the next poor sucker.

Too bad, as WiFi and GPS work really well on my device.

I'm going to take it into a BB store here in NYC tonight and return it for credit, and then order one from someone else (so I don't get somebody else's broken TP).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
I hear ya. My wifi was very good, and my GPS was fair, so I hated to return it. Seeing how there looks like there might be a lot to fix/tweak in the ICS update, there was just no way I could live with no OTA updates.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] philipito:
I told them straight up about the unknown serial. I took them right into the status page, and told them that I was unable to update. Since the Prime was sold as "ICS Upgradable", I said the product was defective since it did not function as advertised. They obliged and refunded me.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
...Looks like a lot are going back to Best Buy this week. :/
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
ok so I received my new one today and it has a serial #. On my last one without a serial number I could not play Homerun Battle 3D for matchup's, but with my new one I am able to. So the not having a serial number messes up more than the OTA updates.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
Add me to the list. Bought it on 1/6 from bestbuy.com. Charged it, turned it on, No Updates. Also i have Serial Number Unknown. I sent Asus a very serious email detailing my frustrations.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] markbraggs:
Does anyone know how long it takes ASUS to put the updates on their main download page after it's been released OTA? Based on past releases, I mean?

I'll be willing to go through the hassle of manually updating every time there is a new update available if it means not having to return it and be computer-less for school.

And if manual download is still impossible due to this serial number issue, then it's surely being returned no matter what.

ASUS better make an official statement about this.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
Same here (just referencing one more person...).

Do any of you guys have any information about where the serial number could be stocked ?

Edit:

Can an Android app developer with the unknown serial issue can try to create a new project and execute this code on the prime (I left mine home and can't try for the next 10 hours...) :

Log.e("ID DEVICE", Secure.getString(getBaseContext().getContentResolver(), Secure.ANDROID_ID));

Don't forget the permissions :

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE"/>

Is there any output ?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
FWIW, I sent them an email too before I returned my Prime, and they haven't answered it yet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
Someone posted this earlier in this thread, but I have the same question!

Return it to Best Buy, or handle this with Asus? I dont know. I wish I could get someone from Best Buy on the phone that woul Next Day me a new one so I could return this one. I dont want to go without a tablet, and I dont want to wait till they get more in stock.

I mean, I just got this thing yesterday, and this just killed all of my excitement for it. I played with it for a few hours last night, and today, I have no desire to even turn it on. I dont want to install a bunch of apps, start messing with the settings, etc. only to have to send it in.

I really do not know how to describe how upset and disappointed I am right now, as I am sure all of you are.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
Can anyone with unknown serial install this apk and tell me what it says ?

If it displays a device ID, just compare it to the one on the sticker of your prime and tell me if it's the same or not. If nothing shows up, just let me know.

I'm also posting the source code to show that it's a safe apk (it's just 5 lines of code anyway...)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
Oops, here is the apk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] julien.me:
It doesn't match the s/n on the sticker on the back of my prime...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
My decision was easy. I returned it to BB and got a full refund. I'll wait and see how this all plays out. If they fix/improve the Prime, then I may get another one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] makamobile:
doesnt match for me
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
Yeah, I will probably have to do this. Problem with me is, I have a feeling that the developers on this site will fix this, or provide a work around, before Asus even acknowledges the problem.

I think I will contact Best Buy Customer Service today. I will tell them my issue. If they are willing to send me another one, I will do that. If they cannot next day me a new one, I will just return it to the store.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
Mmh ok, thanks for the information. I'll keep investigating
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
It may not happen since currently the devs can't even root or get into recovery without the s/n.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
So what does this mean? The firmware has a different Serial Number than the system sticker has?

I wonder if this APK would return the same Serial Number for everyone? That would be interesting if everyone was flashed with the same Serial Number or something, thus, causing these problems.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] qwertylesh:
this is a step in the right direction for working out what the heck is going on, thank you so much kouray for digging into this problem.

3rdamention, although its not known what it entirely means or how the OS is unable to read the SN, it does mean that the one on the product package which is supposed to match the one on the mainboard doesn't, so it sheds a little more light on what is going on.

there was a serial catastrophe with someones Iconia A500 they bought from bestbuy, where the serial on the mainboard turned out to be tied to stock that the company still supposedly had in their warehouse and the serial on their SD card cover (cos the iconia has 3 thats supposed to match) and the one on the box, all 3 were different and the one on the box was tied to some refurbished product handled by a third party, i'll dig up the link but this really is a worst case scenario and the poor dude who went through this copped it bad, so dont freak out this would be really unlikely to be the case with the primes but gives you an example of how when there are mismatches it can be quite bad. linky (again, no need to freak but is an example of a worse case scenario of an isolated SN mismatch incident, the primes some sort of random batch problem afaict.)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
I contacted ASUS by creating an account, registering my Prime, then contacting them on their site with my Asus Account.

I didnt simply email them, I created an account and contacted them within their own system, not by a simple email. I am going to call Best Buy and see what is going on and what they can do for me.

Thanks so much!

David
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] njones15:
I ran it, and it doesn't match either.

---------- Post added at 08:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 AM ----------

This is from another thread:

This is the way it's been (so far) for the TF101 and asus posting updates.

1. asus pushes OTA's (if everything goes alright)

2. 3 to 5 days later, asus will post it up on the TW ftp site (very slow downloads). ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS/EeePAD/

3. a few hours later the updates sync up with dlcdnet (faster downloads).

4. 3 to 5 days later, asus will post it on there website.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] benlc:
It probably only means that the serial number is not the same thing as the device id. It's very unlikely that the result would be different on a TP without the serial issue. I'll check in a few hours what I can find in my prime and I'll let you guys know..

Thank you guys for testing